Airport security screening equipment capable of scanning the contents of large liquid containers could be deployed soon across the EU, meaning passengers would no longer need to ensure they have no bottles containing more than 100ml when travelling.
The European Commission confirmed to Euronews that the change, first reported by the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, is in the pipeline.
Under current EU rules, liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) included in hand baggage must generally be packed in containers holding no more than 100ml, though exceptions are made for special diets, baby products, and medicines, because traditional security equipment, like X-ray machines, cannot effectively detect liquid explosives.
But new explosive detection systems are now available for cabin baggage, and these have now been installed in some EU airports - such as in Rome and Milan - which would enable passengers to carry larger liquid containers on board.
For technical reasons, however, the European Commission imposed a temporary restriction on the new liquid screening detection systems last summer, which meant the 100ml rule persisted.
The Commission has since then tried to solve the issue by working with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) to develop appropriate technical solutions.
A screening solution that has been successfully tested was approved by ECAC in June 2025. Now it's up to individual manufacturers to submit their airport equipment to the tests. Once detection equipment gets ECAC’s nod, it can be stamped for EU approval, permitting the screening of liquid containers larger than 100ml.
After receiving this approval, the equipment may be deployed for use at airports, which could happen “in the coming days”, according to a Commission spokesperson.
ECAC did not immediately respond to Euronews' request for comment.
However, not all the EU airports are equipped with the new explosive detection systems, which are generally more expensive than traditional screening systems.
Seven terminals in Italy have this system at their disposal, Corriere della Sera reports. Other airports in Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden, and the Netherlands could also deploy the technology after its final approval.
